Sclerotherapy

Are unsightly spider veins causing you discomfort and/or embarrassment? Stop suffering and hiding your veins, and get relief and restored confidence from Swan Dermatology & Aesthetics. Sclerotherapy is a safe and trusted procedure for alleviating the pain and diminishing the appearance of spider veins.

One of several kinds of solutions, called sclerosing solution, is injected with a very fine needle directly into the blood vessel. The veins swell and stick together, and the blood thickens. Over a period of weeks, the vessels turn into scar tissue that is absorbed and eventually becomes barely noticeable or invisible.

+ Frequently Asked Questions

What is Sclerotherapy?
Sclerotherapy is the treatment of unnecessary, unsightly spider veins in the legs by the injection of a “sclerosing” solution directly into those veins with a very fine needle.

What happens to those veins after they are treated with Sclerotherapy?
They gradually disappear and are reabsorbed by the body over the next several months.

Is it safe to treat spider veins with Sclerotherapy?
These veins are not only unsightly and sometimes painful, but are totally unnecessary since the deep circulation of the leg can easily handle all venous return from the lower extremities.

Is the Sclerotherapy procedure successful?
50-90% of the veins can be eliminated during a series of Sclerotherapy treatments.

Is Sclerotherapy painful?
The sclerosing agents used in our office have very little burning or stinging associated with them. Most patients state that it is painless with only occasional, minimal stinging. Patients are pleasantly surprised and say that the procedure was much easier than they anticipated, and they tolerate the procedure quite well.

Are there any side effects with Sclerotherapy?
Yes, but they are usually quite minor and include bruising, some brownish discoloration at sites of injection, tiny sores at sites of injection, temporary lumpiness due to coagulation of blood in larger vessels, and the development of tiny blood vessels at the injection sites. Most of these side effects resolve over time.

Do I have to limit any activity after the treatment?
We encourage walking but discourage high-impact aerobics, running or heavy weight lifting for 1-2 weeks.

How many treatments are required?
Typically, 1 to 3 treatments are required to produce the desired reduction in vein appearance. Once completed, the results are permanent and no additional treatment is required.